FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Reflecting weak demand for computers from both consumer and business users, International Data Corp. (IDC) here today lowered its PC market forecasts for 2002 and 2003.
Total worldwide PC shipments are now expected to reach 135.5 million units in 2002, a 1.1% growth rate over 2001, according to IDF. In 2001, PC shipments were 134.1 million units, down 4.2% over 2000, according to the Framingham-based research firm.
In 2003, worldwide PC shipments are projected to hit 147 million units, an 8.4% growth rate over 2002, according to IDF of Framingham. The numbers were reduced from the June forecast for growth of 4.7% in 2002 and 11.1% in 2003, according to IDF.
In the U.S. market, PC shipments are expected to hit 46.3 million units in 2002, up 0.5% over 2001, according to IDC. In 2001, the U.S. PC market fell by 11.4%, according to the firm. In 2003, the U.S. PC market is expected to reach 48.3 million units, up 4.2% over 2002.
The public sector and small-business segments continue to grow in the PC sector, but medium and large-business has been very
slow, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Consumer demand, which accounts for roughly a third of PC shipments, also remains weak.
"The momentum we saw coming into the second quarter has all but
disappeared as businesses continue to postpone PC investments and consumer spending has slowed," said Loren Loverde, who tracks the market for IDC.
"Growth in consumer spending could make a big difference
in the rest the year, but current signs point to cautious buyers and slow growth," Loverde said. "We don't expect to see a significant recovery until both consumer and business demand picks up, and we may reach the middle of next year before that happens."
